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How are corn and soybean yields holding up after a growing season of weather extremes?   In this episode of the Cornelius Seed Podcast, host Juan checks in with Regional Sales Manager Cliff Lane straight from the combine in Stark County, Illinois, for a firsthand look at the 2026 harvest.   From saturated soils and nitrogen loss to hot summer nights that impacted grain fill, Cliff shares how challenging growing conditions translated into harvest results across west-central Illinois.   Despite the challenges, soybean yields have been above average, while corn yields are holding near average with generally good stalk quality. Cliff also discusses changing grain moisture, test weights, wildlife damage, and the importance of monitoring field conditions during harvest.   Plus, hear Cliff's recommendations for identifying weed pressure, managing compaction, and taking notes now to make better management decisions for the 2027 growing season.   ⏱️ Chapters:   00:00 – Introduction: Harvest Update from Illinois   00:55 – Harvest Progress & Field Conditions   02:00 – Weather Challenges & Impact on Grain Fill   03:35 – Corn Test Weights & Weather Resources   04:15 – Soybean Yield Performance   05:10 – Corn Yields, Stalk Quality & Crown Rot   06:15 – Corn Moisture & Phantom Yield Loss   07:35 – Deer & Raccoon Damage in Cornfields   08:35 – Weed Pressure & Lessons for 2027   09:15 – Managing Field Compaction   09:50 – Harvest Safety & Final Takeaways

Harvest 2026 Update From the Cab : NC Iowa   From the combine in Wright County, Iowa, Cornelius Seed DSM and farmer Brad shares a harvest update shaped by a very wet September that delayed soybeans and raised crop quality concerns. He reports soybean yields staying within about three bushels across a wide maturity range, with many loads running wetter than recent years (often 11–13% moisture) and tougher stems slowing combining, plus some localized lodging. Brad notes a strong grain fill and timely rains, but says several nights that didn’t drop below 70°F may have reduced top-end yield. He’s increasingly worried about corn stalk strength after recent winds caused top loss and visible stalk issues, urging growers to harvest when possible. He encourages taking detailed notes on low-yield spots, lodged stalks, root issues like tomahawk roots from early planting, and rut/compaction areas for winter planning.   00:20 Season Setup 01:08 Harvest Progress 01:41 Bean Moisture Talk 02:53 Weather Impact 04:05 Yield Consistency 05:01 Quality Concerns 06:19 Field Notes Tips 07:42 Compaction And Ruts 08:34 Wrap Up

On the Cornelius Seed Podcast, fill-in host Kariann Kuntz talks with agronomist Craig Allaman about unusually wet conditions across Iowa and northern Illinois that are delaying harvest and contributing to preharvest sprouting—soybeans sprouting in split pods and corn kernels sprouting on the ear. Craig explains how recent hot, dry stress followed by heavy rains can make soybean pods brittle, causing them to split and allow moisture in, and how corn below 20% moisture can sprout again when husks open and water pools at the base of the ear. He notes sprouting can also be associated with ear rots like Gibberella and Trichoderma, often tied to ear tip damage. The key advice is to scout fields now, reprioritize harvest to protect yield and grain quality, and dry affected corn at higher heat to stop germination. Read More on our website: https://www.corneliusseed.com/agronomy/wet-weather-alert-seed-germination-before-harvest/ 00:00 Rainy Harvest Stalls 00:22 Podcast Intro and Issue 01:15 Field Reports of Sprouting 02:18 Scout Now and Reprioritize 03:52 Why It’s Happening 05:15 Corn Mechanics and Scouting 06:02 Ear Rot and Damage Links 06:56 Key Takeaways and Drying 07:59 Wrap Up and Next Steps

On this episode of the Cornelius Seed Podcast, District Sales Manager Luke Davis shares what he’s seeing in northeast Iowa as late-season disease pressure ramps up, including tar spot, southern rust, crown rot in corn, and SDS in soybeans, with some northern corn leaf blight also present. They discuss how recent weather set the stage, why fungicide decisions were made around tassel despite limited early symptoms, and why late applications now are mostly case-by-case and often not cost-effective unless crop is later or harvest is delayed. Davis emphasizes scouting and taking notes for future planning, prioritizing harvest on fields with stalk/crown rot risk, doing pinch tests for stalk integrity, and identifying soybean diseases like SDS vs brown stem rot. He also notes a split-planter observation of less crown rot with Pivot Bio G3 and highlights Victrato seed treatment (stacked with Profit Guard Plus) and variety selection as key SDS management tools. 00:34 Podcast Intro and Goals00:59 Field Disease Snapshot01:38 Weather and Fungicide Timing04:07 Late Season Spray Decisions05:54 Harvest Priority and Stalk Rots07:01 Biologicals Trial Results08:33 Fungicide ROI Next Year09:51 Soybean SDS Reality Check11:07 SDS Management Tools13:59 Scout Now Plan Ahead15:43 Wrap Up and Thanks

In this Cornelius Seed Podcast season update, lead agronomist Craig Allaman reviews mid-season crop conditions as corn moves through full tassel and early silking, with warm, humid weather and dews creating favorable disease conditions. He reports widespread low-canopy gray leaf spot and common rust, very light northern corn leaf blight, and some early tar spot, noting heat has kept cooler-weather diseases in check but gray leaf could continue to build and southern rust remains a major concern due to storms bringing spores north. The best fungicide timing is generally R1 (silking) through brown silk, but scouting should continue through mid- to late August for late outbreaks. Soybeans are improving as saturated areas recover and nodulation returns; he highlights red crown rot as an emerging, yield-robbing disease to watch for and stresses ongoing scouting across fields and trials.   00:00 Southern Rust Watch 00:22 Season Update Kickoff 00:55 Tasseling And Trial Checks 03:13 Corn Disease Snapshot 04:54 Southern Rust Risk Rising 06:16 Fungicide Timing Window 07:41 Soybeans Turning Around 08:41 Field Variability Tour 10:46 Red Crown Rot Alert 13:36 Biologicals And Rootworm Plans 15:08 Scout Hard Through August 16:18 Wrap Up And Thanks

In a July crop update on The Cornelius Seed Podcast, the hosts discuss current Corn Belt conditions and key in-season concerns: southern rust, nitrogen loss, and tar spot. Crop conditions across Illinois, Iowa, southern Wisconsin, and parts of Minnesota are generally strong for corn with good stands, while soybeans are behind due to delayed, stop-and-go planting, potentially reducing top-end yield from missed early flowering windows. They warn southern rust could be as bad or worse than last year, citing reports of up to 80 bu/acre losses without fungicide, driven by frequent Gulf-origin storms and early spore detection. Recommended protection is a long-residual fungicide at R1 (silking), with scouting and possible second applications depending on product residual. They explain yellowing from saturated soils via leaching and denitrification and outline rescue nitrogen options and timing. Tar spot is noted as common but typically checked by July heat, with greater concern later in August. Scouting also includes rootworm beetles and emerging soybean red crown rot, with Victrato seed treatment discussed for SCN, SDS, and red crown rot.   00:00 Planting Update00:21 Crop Conditions Update  05:14 Southern Rust Warning12:59 Fungicide Timing & Recommendations20:04 Nitrogen Loss & Rescue Treatments35:44 Tar Spot Reality Check

This Cornelius Seed podcast episode focuses on the evolving challenge of corn rootworm and what’s new in managing it, featuring Brian Walsh with GreenLeaf Genetics. Walsh explains rootworm lifecycle, how western rootworm and northern rootworm have reduced the effectiveness of crop rotation, and why multiple modes of action are important for resistance management. The discussion introduces Syngenta’s Durastak™ (and Durastak Viptera™), an industry-first triple Bt protein approach for below-ground rootworm control, positioned for moderate-to-high pressure fields, with plot testing in 2026 and a full commercial launch in 2027 via the Cornelius portfolio. They compare Durastak™ to Duracade™ and share data showing improved root protection, standability, and about a 10-bushel yield advantage under moderate-to-heavy pressure, emphasizing multi-year trait rotation and matching genetics to fields. 00:00 Resistance Management Basics00:44 Podcast Intro and Guest02:46 Rootworm Problem Overview03:57 Rootworm Lifecycle and Evolution07:11 What Is Durastak™08:46 Duracade™ vs Durastak™ Positioning11:46 Triple Bt Proteins Explained15:24 No Silver Bullet Field Management17:58 Trait Stack Pest Control Chart21:40 Root Protection and Yield Loss23:58 Cry Proteins vs RNAi Rotation27:13 Yield Advantage Data29:13 Multi Year Rotation Strategy33:41 Wrap Up and Final Advice

Lead agronomist Craig Allaman joins host Juan for a season check-in on corn and soybean emergence across the Cornelius footprint. After a challenging spring marked by narrow planting windows, sporadic heavy rains, and an unusual stretch of cool nighttime temperatures, Craig breaks down what's actually happening underground — and what growers should be watching for right now. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:47 How Plant 2026 Started — Craig's Overview 2:37 Corn vs. Soybeans: Sitting Out the Cold Windows 7:13 What Actually Causes Crusting (It's Not Just Dryness) 8:45 Corn vs. Soybeans: Which Is More Impacted by Crusting? 9:30 The Coleoptile Explained — Shepherd's Crook & Leaf Scarring 12:39 Cold Injury: Leafing Out Underground 16:06 Seed Treatments & the Cold, Wet Start 17:23 What Should Growers Be Scouting For Right Now? 21:05 How to Scout: Dig Those Seedlings Up 24:27 #1 Mistake When Evaluating Emergence 26:55 3 Things to Do Before Calling a Replant 27:46 Key Takeaways & Closing

Host Juan checks in with three Cornelius Seed District Sales Managers who also farm in their own territories — Brad Grandgeorge (Central Iowa), Joe Braudt (Southwest Wisconsin), and Mike Lund (Southwest Iowa) — for a real-time planting season update. The conversation covers planting progress, field conditions, and the challenges of a cool, wet spring. Topics include soil fitness, crusting concerns, emergence watch-outs, the value of seed treatments in cold conditions, cover crop strategies, biological inputs, and the importance of patience over rushing to beat the neighbors. Each guest shares what good operators are doing right this spring and what agronomic lessons 2026 is already teaching.0:00 – Intro & Welcome0:33 – Brad Grandgeorge | Central Iowa (Wright County)1:35 – Planting progress & field conditions in Central Iowa2:58 – Early emergence & crusting concerns4:21 – What good operators are doing this spring5:16 – Planter prep tips & precision equipment checks8:23 – Joe Braudt | Southwest Wisconsin (Grant County)9:10 – Cold, wet conditions & delayed planting progress10:37 – Cover crops, rye planting, and soil moisture15:58 – Seed treatments & seedling disease watch-outs17:44 – Agronomy lessons from a tough spring start19:52 – Biologicals & non-GMO corn strategy22:01 – Mike Lund | Southwest Iowa (Pottawattamie & Shelby Counties)22:24 – Strong conditions in Southwest Iowa & planting progress26:07 – Final advice: don't rush, stick to the plan

On the Cornelius Seed Podcast, host Juan is joined by DSM Tyler Sprain (north central Iowa) and RSM Cliff Lane (west central Illinois) to discuss what matters most as planters start rolling for corn and soybeans. They emphasize patience with volatile spring weather, avoiding cold-wet conditions, and watching soil temperature trends (around 50°F) along with tillage and residue effects. Key fundamentals include equipment readiness and maintenance, driving appropriate speeds, getting out to check behind the planter, and prioritizing consistent seed placement—especially planting depth (measuring where the seed sits, not just the trench bottom). They note early soybeans can be a “free” yield opportunity if conditions are fit and seed has a strong treatment package, and they discuss soybean population, emergence variability, and avoiding rushed replant decisions. The episode closes with advice to be safe and focus on small details that stack up to protect yield.00:25 Meet The Guests01:53 Patience And Soil Temps04:06 Corn Vs Beans Timing05:36 Cold Dry Vs Cold Wet08:34 Stand Basics And Depth10:24 Get Out And Check11:52 Maintenance And Speed15:57 Tools And Calling Help17:22 Early Soybean Advantage20:15 Soybean Treatment Packages21:05 Planting Depth Basics21:46 Population Sweet Spots24:53 Replant After Hail Frost27:15 Slow Emergence Decisions29:03 Measuring True Seed Depth32:15 Weather Gut Check37:04 One Key Planter Tip39:15 Fundamentals Closing Wrap

In this Cornelius Seed podcast episode, host Juan talks with Pivot Bio’s Nick Fischer and Alex Obermier about Proven® G3, a third-generation nitrogen product using nitrogen-fixing microbes that continue fixing nitrogen in the presence of synthetic N and continuously release it to the plant. They explain how G3 adds two methylotrophs- one to stimulate bigger roots and one to make nutrients more available- along with results from 300+ full-field trials showing more frequent yield increases versus prior “yield parity” outcomes. The conversation covers new delivery options (on-seed, liquid in-furrow, and a new dry planter-box formulation), mixing and planting windows for the dry product, storage considerations, compatibility guidance, and how the microbes attach to roots, feed on plant exudates, and produce nitrogen through roughly VT-R1. Chapters: 00:00 Gene Edited Nitrogen Fixers00:43 Podcast Setup And Guests02:34 Pivot Bio Background And Adoption03:43 What G3 Adds05:30 Dry Planter Box Delivery07:04 Handling And Storage Windows09:22 Trial Data And Proven It10:52 Best Management Practices13:58 Soil Tests And Compatibility15:57 How The Microbes Work20:28 On Seed Treatment Tips23:36 ROI And Nitrogen Volatility27:55 2026 Planning Advice31:38 Rapid Fire Career Lessons34:35 Future Crops Organic And Next Gen36:29 Final Recap And Sign Off

In this episode of the Cornelius Seed Podcast, host Juan sits down with Shane Brockhoff of Meristem Crop Performance to break down what Meristem calls the “Biodefense Revolution.”From EPA-registered biologicals delivered through the planter box to innovative starter fertilizer technology, this conversation dives into practical, field-ready solutions for protecting yield in corn and soybeans.Shane explains Meristem’s patented Bio-Capsule™ delivery system, designed to keep biological products alive all the way to the furrow — while making it easy for growers to stack multiple layers of protection.We cover:🌱 Guard X – An EPA-registered bacterial insecticide for corn rootworm that works by disrupting larvae host-location signaling, with discussion around timing (mid-June through mid-July), root regeneration response, and future label expansions (pending EPA approval).🌾 Prephyte – A broad-spectrum biological fungicide labeled for 90+ diseases, functioning season-long as an endophyte to help manage root rots, crown rot, and more.🌽 Excavator – A residue management tool designed to enhance mineralization, improve nutrient cycling (including phosphorus availability), and potentially reduce fertilizer costs — plus guidance on fall vs. spring application timing.🚜 Upshift C+ – A concentrated starter fertilizer featuring phosphatase enzyme technology, zinc, stress-mitigating amino acids, and a low salt index for planter safety and improved nutrient efficiency.If you’re looking for practical insights into biological crop protection, planter-box delivery systems, and next-generation fertility strategies, this episode delivers real-world perspective straight from the field.Be sure to view our webpage for all of these offerings: https://www.corneliusseed.com/driving-profitability/meristem-crop-performance/ ⏱ Episode Chapters00:00 – Why Biodefense Matters: Protecting Yield from the Start00:36 – Welcome to the Cornelius Seed Podcast01:14 – Meet Shane Brockhoff: Agronomist, Farmer & Meristem Leader02:45 – Corn Rootworm Pressure & The Biodefense Revolution05:14 – Guard X: How This EPA-Registered Biological Insecticide Works07:56 – Application Timing, Root Regeneration & Field Fit10:51 – Prephyte: Season-Long Biological Disease Protection14:24 – Soybeans: FNI Pail Concept, Inoculants & Replant Protection15:55 – Excavator: Residue Breakdown & Nutrient Unlock18:26 – Fall vs. Spring Application Strategy21:59 – Upshift C+: Concentrated Starter Fertility with Enzyme Tech25:28 – What’s Next in Biological Innovation27:50 – EPA Labels, Trust & On-Farm Learning

Thinking about switching to non-GMO or organic seed? 🌱In this episode, James and Will Cornelius break down Cornelius Seed’s non-GMO and organic corn and soybean lineup — and what it really takes to move away from traited seed.We cover:• Non-GMO soybean options, including 23C15 (1.9 maturity) with food-grade potential• Upcoming 2.5, 2.7, 2.9, and Group 3 soybean offerings• Organic and conventional corn hybrids — plus potential 90- and 85-day options• 93% soybean germination standards across trait platforms• Biologicals and seed treatments like Pivot Bio• Practical management tips for transitioning acresSwitching isn’t just a seed decision, it’s a management shift. From scouting to weed control and early canopy strategy, we share real-world insights to help you succeed with conventional and organic systems.Subscribe for more agronomy insights, seed strategy, and farmer-focused conversations.Chapters00:32 Why Non GMO/Organic Portfolio Matters01:35 Is Conventional Just a Budget Move? Traits vs. Management Reality03:38 Weed & Herbicide Tradeoffs in Soybeans/Organics 05:11 What to Look for in Conventional Corn Hybrids (Vigor, Canopy, Fit)07:13 Planter-Box ‘Pails’ & Seed Quality: Early Vigor, 93% Germ, Added Protection09:20 How Cornelius Supports Growers: Custom Box Sizes, Testing, Data & Rep Network12:43 Pails Deep Dive: Pivot Bio, Guard X (TS201), Prephyte & ROI Stories17:34 Organic Approval & Picking the Right Pail by Soil Type and Field Needs21:57 Non GMO Soybean Lineup Draft: New Varieties, Group 2 Additions, Food-Grade Options24:23 Conventional/Organic Corn ‘Heavy Hitters’ + Expanding Earlier Maturities25:42 Biggest Mistake When Switching from Traits: Scouting Mindset + Start Small28:35 Wrap-Up Checklist + Where to Find Plot Data (Right Seed, Right Acre)

In this bonus episode of the Cornelius Seed Podcast, we dive into the recent EPA updates on Dicamba regulations with Will Cornelius, Soybean Lead for Cornelius Seed. We discuss the changes, the implications for farmers, and practical advice as planting season approaches. Join us as we unpack the new temperature-based guidelines, volatility reduction requirements, and conservation practice points, and how these changes impact growers. Stay informed and prepared by tuning in to this essential episode.Read more on this topic here: https://www.corneliusseed.com/understanding-the-epas-new-dicamba-label/ Chapters00:08 Dicamba's Return: Relief or Headache?00:24 Guest Introduction: Will Cornelius01:09 EPA's Dicamba Press Release Summary02:05 Changes in Dicamba Regulations03:48 New Label Requirements and Practical Implications06:00 Conservation Practices and Compliance11:10 Future of Dicamba: Limited Label and Reviews14:55 Practical Advice for Growers18:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The soybean landscape is shifting fast. Between Dicamba label uncertainty and emerging diseases like Red Crown Rot, growers need tools that can pivot as quickly as the weather. In this episode, Will Cornelius gives us a "boots on the ground" update from the Independent Seed Professional Association (IPSA) meeting. We discuss why Cornelius Seed is moving full-speed ahead with Syngenta’s new Victrato® treatment and what the upcoming Vyconic® (HT4) stack means for your weed management strategy in 2028. Key highlights include: Identifying the "Tiger Stripe": How to spot Red Crown Rot before it takes 50% of your yield. The "All-in-One" Stack: A first look at Vyconic® (Enlist + Dicamba + Mesotrione). Speedboat vs. Big Boat: How independent companies bring tech to the field faster. Lowering Input Costs: Why conventional and organic genetics are seeing a massive resurgence. Whether you're looking to break through a yield ceiling or simplify your herbicide program, this episode is packed with technical insights for the "analytical farmer." Join our on-farm trials: Contact your DSM or visit our website to learn more about testing Victrato® on your acres this season [01:20] Will’s role and the advantage of being an independent seed company.[03:35] Syngenta’s pipeline: FG72 and HPPD tolerance.[05:19] Introducing Victrato®: A game-changer for Red Crown Rot.[07:44] How to participate in on-farm trials.[08:16] Nematode protection: Beyond just SCN.[10:09] Red Crown Rot: Identification tips and yield impact.[11:37] Vyconic® (HT4): The 2028 "5-way" trait stack.[15:32] The latest on the Dicamba label for 2026.[19:50] Why Conventional and Organic beans are trending for 2026/27.[23:22] The Cornelius Quality: 93% germination standards.